Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 24 July 2011

Dear Family,

Birthdays - Tuesday Grandma Nilace and Uncle Nile celebrated their 86th birthday. When Mom & Dad went to pick up Grandma to take her to lunch, she was on the telephone with her brother, so Mom & Dad took the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to Uncle Nile, too.  They had a nice lunch at Olive Garden. Since the regime medicine finished, Grandma’s leg is still bothering her so she plans to go to the doctor again next week. Next week is David (33rd) and Michael’s (23rd) birthday. 

Brazilian Connection - The great anticipation permeated through the family as Mom and Dad picked up Eduarda (Duda) from the airport on Saturday afternoon. Of course, there was a complication - the MKX picked up a screw in the front tire, so we had to borrow Grandma’s MKZ to pick up Duda. It is a wonderful to see her again and welcome her to our home and more importantly make a precious connection with our Brazilian side of the family that we get to see only on rare occasions.

Couched - Mom & Dad finally received the new leather sectional couch and ottoman they ordered three months ago. Dad is so grateful that Mom loves it because there is no returning it. It really does look nice in the family room and very comfortable to sit on. And Dad and Michael put the old couch in the basement and Dad arranged it so now there is a nice TV room in the basement corner.

Tough Guy - Dad took a spill while mountain biking. He only suffered a few bruises and a couple of small cuts, but after catching his breath, got right back on the bike and rode 4 miles home. No pain, just a bruised ego. More bad news due to the hiatal hernia: Dad will probably need to always take medication for his reflux.   No big deal, though!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 17 July 2011

Dear Family,

Bikin’ Buddies - Good news, Mom is feeling strong enough for a little more exercise, so Mom & Dad have started biking together. Starting with short runs to Kmart, they have worked up to biking along the cool shady nature area along the Clinton River together.  It is great for the body and soul. Go Mom !

Funeral - One of the Relief Society sisters’ 93 year old mother passed away and Mom was involved in supporting and organizing the Relief Society efforts.  Dad, who only went to the viewing, was well entertained by one the cousins who was an Air Force pilot that had logged in over 3300 hours in KC-135’s and RC-135‘s during his 24 years of service. He had some great stories. The next evening Mom and Grandma Nilace attended and sang with the choir at the wonderful and uplifting funeral service.

Stoned to Knee-moania - Along with the normal yard maintenance of planting, watering and trimming, Dad has started a long term project of leveling the paver stones that have sunk down over the years.  He removes each stone throws in the leveling sand and replaces the stone one by one in the cool of the morning until his knees start to squawk. Oh well, it is good honest work and it keeps him out of mischief.

Not entirely stable - Friday evening, Mom & Dad visited Stebar’s and found out about Sister Stebar’s fall episode which left her bumped, bruised and bleeding. Seemingly suffering from the same malady as Amelita a few weeks ago, she became dehydrated and not entirely stable. Thankfully, she is on the mend with help of some medicine, but could use the power of prayer in her behalf to end this sad saga and bring on some healthful stability. Meanwhile, Ryan’s back spasms are much improved and he has returned to almost full activity.

Serve and Socialize - Mom helped with serving and Dad got to eat & socialize at the reception for Michael Lambert and his new bride on Saturday evening at the church. It was a good opportunity to help out, renew a few acquaintances and share family updates about kids and grandkids. Congratulations to Michael and his wife Pamela! 

“Foot Balling” - Dad and Michael have been following the Women’s World Cup Soccer games and rooting for the USA team. The toughest game thus far was against Brazil which took a tying goal late in overtime and winning the subsequent shoot out. They were particularly satisfied with their 3-1 win over France, but they lost 3-2 to Japan in the final. Michael played well in a tough soccer game on Wednesday evening. The family supported Kick ball team continued its undefeated record on Friday in part due to the great running, catching and kicking skills of the athletic Michael and Jim. Go guys!

Jim gives this one the boot

Michael - cocked and ready to fire

Air Michael denies this Shot

Super Michael flies after a shot.

Moabed - Dan & Holli and crew returned safely from their traditional summer adventure vacation to Moab, Utah. Thanks for the pictures. 

Isaiah, Joshua, Holli, Joseph, Daniel & Nathan

Grandma Nilace’s B’day Party - Sunday after church the family gathered to celebrate Grandma’s 86th birthday with desserts, singing and candles.  

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 10 July 2011

Dear Family,

Happy 235th Birthday USA! - We are so blessed to be Americans. Of all the people who ever lived on the earth (estimated at 100-110 billion) less than 5% ever lived in a free society.  It is worthy of a great celebration.  In the morning, Dad went to the Ward Breakfast - they let him cook and serve “artery cloggers” (link sausages) and carbohydrate bombs (pancakes). Mom & Dad had decorated the house in & out with flags and Red, White and Blue stuff. Mom had everything in order, lovely and of good report; Dad grilled burgers and sausages (burnt offerings); Vanessa made pies and jello salad,; Stebar’s brought yummy potatoes and an awesome Oreo cookie, frozen desert; Grandma made some cole slaw and Martin Abdulahad brought Baklava to the festive feeding frenzy. Dad & Jim won a Bocce game with a close come from behind victory over Michael and Martin. Jim, Joshua and Michael matched their Wii Mario Cart skills. Michael & Martin took charge as the extraordinary pyro-techs and put on a great display of the Grandma Nilace funded fireworks as the great finale of the day’s festivities.  The fireworks were even a higher quality entertainment than the bug zapper. :-)  The celebrations spilled over the next day with a delicious brunch of the famous Stebar biscuits and gravy.  Thank you Stebars!

Photos : http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101042

The Independent Ladies of our 4th of July Celebrations

Survivors - Ryan took his tribe and Tyler to Tennessee to visit Maureen’s parents and brothers and to enjoy all manner of water sports. Ryan returned with a bad case of “back-teria”. He was walking around all bent over and twisted in pain and Maureen managed a painful burn on her arm. Dad endured the pain of helping Ryan purchase and install a new kitchen faucet.   Grandma Nilace’s ambitious “to do list” was slowed way down due to back and leg pain, however, a visit to her doctor and a blast of prescription drugs and a little rest got her back into trying to over do it again. Jim & Vanessa were not with the pain/torture program and enjoyed the pool, backyard campfire and fun things with the family. Sam survived the intense and scary “Super 8” movie and an over night stay with Papa and Nona with no nightmares. Thankfully we all survived the holiday week and not too much worse for the wear. We are specially grateful that Mom is getting stronger and Grandma Sparks is getting around much better and Ryan after a blast of pain killers and muscle relaxers is walking much more erect.

Biker Papa - Saturday morning, Dad pedaled his way to a tree covered bike trail in the middle of Sterling Heights. It is a pleasant ride on a very nice, cool, shady, asphalt smooth, path through the woods along the Clinton River. He is trying to convince the other family member bike owners to join him for a little dose of exercise with a relaxing portion of nature.

Something to sniff at.  Jena, Deputy Dan’s canine companion, has a nose for illegal drugs and is always looking for something to sniff at. So far this furry family member is working out quite well. Unfortunately, Jena does not fit in the family’s little Mazda so they are looking for a more roomy mode of transportation to accommodate the three kids and a kennel --- like an Explorer. Good Choice!

Rojo-ed - To celebrate our survival, on Saturday evening Grandma Nilace, Mom & Dad, Jim & Vanessa, Ryan & Maureen and Michael met at Rojo’s (the new Mexican Bistro at Partridge Creek) for a dinner of tasty, guacamole, nachos, fajitas, burritos, tacos. . .  After dinner they all went shopping. It was perfect weather to be outdoors and enjoy family.

Happy Bunch of Rojo - Mexican Bistro-ers!

Bumbling Bureaucrats - David has done all he can and is still waiting for the snail paced Texas State licensing process so he can actually start “dentalizing” Texans and be gainfully employed and provide for his family. Hopefully, this is the last hurdle in becoming a productive member of society. We love you. Remember patience is a virtue. Go David! 

Hope you all enjoyed the holiday!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Samantha's B'day Party Photos - 26 June 2011

Samantha with brothers, sister and cousins

The Pianists - Olivia and Rex Stuart

Sam with Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 3 July 2011

Dear Family,

On the road - David & Jana and the rest of their gypsy tribe were homeless for a day while they drove from Illinois to Texas on Thursday.  Thank you Heavenly Father! They arrived safely and stayed with the Hill’s that night, then started the moving and settling in. Mom & Dad wish they could be there to give them a house warming party, but this time of year in Texas the last thing they need is a “warmer” house.   Their new address is: 4700 Evanshire Way,   McKinney, Texas  75070

Mills have Gone to the Dog - Deputy Dan is leaving behind the jailhouse blues and is now the newest “Dog Deputy” in Canyon County. His new black & white furry partner is a Border Collie named Jena. This addition to the family marks a new opportunity for Dan’s Deputy Sheriff’s career and, of course, represents a new great adventure for the family. Kids and dogs tend to be a natural combination.

Gladden the Eye - Dad borrowed Ryan’s pick up while they are gone to Tennessee, to haul soil and mulch in an effort to beautify the home for the Independence Day celebrations. In spite of the hot and humid weather, Dad has been digging, preparing flower beds and planting at the direction of Mom, who is under strict orders to not over do it.

Conservation of Energy - Thankfully, both Mom & Dad are much better from their cold symptoms and carefully pacing their personal energy consumption to gradually get back to their normal, active routine.  

Apple-synckified - Mom & Dad now have entered the distinctive digital coolness of the “iZone”, and are enjoying the “fruit” by getting new iPhones. With the help of Michael they downloaded scriptures, music and, of course, the contacts, and even synchronized with Dad’s Mac and Mom’s iPad, respectively. 

Le Chef Michael - Michael made the traditional Chicken & Pasta Sunday dinner for a bunch of his friends from the Young Single Adult Ward whom he Home Teaches. 

Soggy Bottom Boy - Saturday afternoon, Mom & Dad were at movies watching “Transformers 3” when a severe downpour blew through the area. Meanwhile across town, Michael had the roof off the Jeep and within 10 minutes the jeep interior was soaked and he became the certified soggy bottom boy.

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 26 June 2011

Dear Family,

Indomitable Trekkers - From a rainy Wednesday through a partly sunny Saturday, Papa & Nona took care of Preston, Jacob, Sophia and Rex while Ryan & Maureen were a Ma & Pa at the Stake Pioneer Trek. It really rained hard and got everyone soaked, but everyone survived including Papa and Nona with the grandkids. Papa & Nona enjoyed the time with them specially the life energizing hugs from little Rex. It was exiting to hear the stories of the youth stepping up that Ryan & Maureen brought back. They were a great Ma & Pa and the youth benefitted from their being themselves and making the best of some very difficult challenges. The weather and their clothes were soggy and muddy, but their spirits were bright and shiny. For Photos:  http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=217878741585125&set=pu.206248819414784&type=1&theater

Zoosters - Wednesday, Papa organized and conducted an expedition to the Detroit Zoo including exploration of “Dinosauria”, monkeys, Arctic Ring of Life, Prairie Dog Town, Reptile House, Amphibianville, the playground, Penguinarium  and all points in between. The hardy, expert and enthusiastic expedition team included Samantha, Joshua, Preston, Jacob, Olivia and Sophia and, of course Papa.  All had a great time together - what a joy it is to see them all having fun together.  Mom just loved staying home with little Rex.  His sunny grin, self made language, and golden head laying on her shoulder was the best therapy for any kind of illness.

More Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101000

Scientifical Field Trip- Thursday, Papa organized and conducted a quest to find more scientific information at the Cranbrook Science Museum. The “questers” included: Samantha, Joshua, Preston, Jacob and Sophia. They found: “Dinosaurs by Land, Sea and Air, Ice Age/Glaciers, Seasons, a Mastodon, About Us, Motion Lab, bugs, rocks, minerals and crystals. Once again the “Questers” had a great time together and learned a lot of stuff through this scientific experience.  And once again, little Rex filled Nona’s arms with warmth and her heart with joy.Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101016

Moviers - Friday afternoon, Nona took the excited family youthful movie fans (Joshua, Olivia, Preston, Jacob, Sophia) to see the brand new “Cars 2”. They all had a great time. Meanwhile, during a pleasant (non-raining) weather break, Papa took little Rex for a bike ride, joined by Vanessa. They pedaled around the subdivision and Partridge Creek Mall. Little Rex, like his grandfather, loves being outdoors.  

New Decader & Teenageress - Along with the summer solstice, this week Adam turned 10 (double digits, congratulations, Adam!) and Sam became an official teenager. She is so excited about her gift of a flight to visit her aunt Rachel in Denver for a couple weeks during July. It is extra special because this is the time Rachel was to be alone since Ryan will be doing his out-to -own rotation. It is a Win-Win.  Both aunt and niece should have a great time with the little girls, too.  Go Sam!  Go Adam!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 19 June 2011

Dear Family,

Todays Celebrations & Congratulations - Happy 40th Anniversary to Mom & Dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads. Happy Birthday to Vo Gatti, who was born 106 years ago. Also, Happy Birthday to Jim, who celebrated his 39th on the 14th!

Deckodent - Dodging the rain showers, Dad labored long and hard to clean, strip, brighten and stain the cedar deck, planters and the railings.  Its a miracle, Dad turned the dark and dingy into a bright and beautiful place to be.

Two Score Years Ago - It was in Rio Grande, Brazil with daily partying and much ado, Mom and Dad were married on this date. Apparently, they have taken this marriage thing seriously by staying together for 40 years through thick and thin, with 7 children and 21 grandchildren to show for it (so far) . A celebration lunch was Saturday afternoon at Brio Tuscan Grill with Jim, Vanessa, Ryan, Maureen,Michael, Melanie and Grandma Nilace. We played a game of Bocce there (the girls won!).  A lovely Sunday morning greeted Mom & Dad as they had an intimate breakfast on the deck with red roses decorating the table. Since 40 is supposed to be the ruby anniversary, Dad gave Mom a beautiful, white gold, heart-shaped pendant with eight rubies  She says the center one is Dad surrounded by the 7 children. 

1971	2011
Street Snapper - A local Snapping Turtle, apparently with a death wish, wondered out of the pond, onto the street and into the risk of becoming a road kill. In spite of its vehement jaw snapping objections, Michael and Dad shoveled/herded it back to a safer environment in the creek.

  

QuesTexas - Thanks to Heavenly Father, David & Jana’s home hunting quest to Texas was a success as they found a not so little 4 bedroom house on the prairie in McKinney, Texas. They plan to move in and set up housekeeping on the 1st of July.  Meanwhile, David has been full-time conquering the mountain of legalities of becoming licensed to practice dentistry in Texas while Jana starts the massive job of packing.   Good Luck!

Father’s Day - Sunday evening the Corless Clan gathered at Mom & Dad’s home for a Lasagna dinner and a plethora of desserts. Activities including - flint and steel fire starting, football tossing, canoe paddling, game playing were enjoyed together. We had a phone call from David and a phone and video call from Lara. Thanks for all the connections.

Love y’all Mom & Dad